Name/Title
SignEntry/Object ID
2021.41.1Description
Wooden sign with a scrolled top. The sign is painted with the inscription, "AT A TOWN MEETING HELD AT THIS SITE SEPT. 3-1793 OCCURRED A FIGHT BETWEEN JONATHAN SHERMAN OF BARRE, MASS. AND CAPT. THOMPSON OF HOLDEN, MASS. FOR THE PRIVILEGE OF NAMING THE TOWN. SHERMAN WON AND NAMED THE TOWN BARRE". There are tabs extending to the side at the top and bottom corners of both sides, each with a hole drilled through the center. There is a large round hole near the center of the side over the "F" of the word "OF".Context
The legend conveyed on this old historical marker made for a good story and was often repeated in history books. The actual history is a bit more tame. The area that we now know as Barre City and Barre Town was originally incorporated as Wildersburgh in 1780. In 1793 the citizens of the town voted to create a new house of worship. To raise the needed funds they offered the rights to rename the town to the person committing the most funds to the meeting house construction. Ezekiel Dodge Wheeler offered £62 and named the town Barre after Barre, Massachusetts.Acquisition
Accession
2021.41Source or Donor
Bond, William E.Acquisition Method
GiftDimensions
Height
24 inWidth
26-1/2 in